After years of research, development and live trials Parkside are pleased to announce that they are the first, and currently the only, manufacturer of printed flexible packaging to be able to offer the environmentally conscious brand owner and packer a barrier triplex laminate accredited under EN13432 Industrial Standard which requires 90% of the packaging to disintegrate within 12 weeks.

The pack accredited under Vincotte has seen Parkside work closely with specialist base material manufacturer Innovia to develop this unique product, which fills a vital gap in the market. The flexographically printed metalised laminate can be used in a variety of applications where an oxygen and moisture barrier are required to give prolonged shelf life for the contents.

This innovative new material is the first of a whole range of compostable laminate products that Parkside are developing, which will be specifically tailored to meet the environmental demands of packer, retailer and consumer. With manufacturing facilities in Europe and Asia, Parkside are able to offer this finished product on a global basis.

This world leading development means that Parkside customers have the option to move away from current laminate structures that can only be disposed of through either landfill or incineration, the pioneering structure will be printed with the Vincotte OK Compost logo which means it can enter the waste stream through Bio-waste collection, which is becoming more widely prevalent with local authorities; for final disposal through industrial composting sites or anaerobic digestion.

MD Parkside Speciality Division Steve McCormick said, "This achievement is a huge step forward in barrier laminate technology and is the first of a string of environmentally aware products we plan to launch. As a company Parkside understand that the demand for compostable packaging will continue to grow across the globe and we see ourselves in a very strong position to advise on and service demands in this area".

"This now offers a real alternative to the environmentally conscious manufacturer who wants great product quality with a bio friendly compostable pack" said Parkside chairman Lawrence Dall.

This latest development continues to build on Parkside’s commitment to environmentally sound practices such as their recent investment in a 100% secure waste management system.

Parkside are the first packaging manufacturer in Europe to offer a totally secure waste disposal solution ensuring any sensitive waste generated is destroyed on site.

The system ensures that 100% of waste is destroyed with the residual products being either recycled or burnt for energy, providing a totally secure zero to landfill system.